Created for Greater things

I believe we have all been created for greater things than we can comprehend. The times call for great things, but great things in the noblest and most redemptive sense are predicated upon tolerance, love, respect, understanding, dignity, prayer, God.

A face that is always on my mind, A smile I have seen a million times, Two eyes that would light up the sky at night, One last battle you could not fight, The day was long, then night then morn. I knew that soon you would be gone, I clasped your hand so warm in mine, Soon we would be out of time, To stay with us you fought so hard, A million pieces went my heart, Now a photo I look at to see your smile, I keep your number on my speed dial, A video I watch to hear your voice, This I do.... I have no choice., But great memories I will always keep with me, Your love in my heart for eternity, To understand why, I can but try, Waiting in heaven from this moment on, 'Till god asks you to bring me home....

The Simple Things

Today marks 6 years since my mother has left this life. For much time as a family we have discussed what we should do on this day.. Do we get together? Do we cry? Do we get together and have fun? Do we even acknowledge it as anything, but just another day? We would like to treat it just like any other day, but the reality is that March 12th will always stand out to us as the day in which we lost our wonderful and beautiful mother, sister, wife, daughter and friend.. at least for a time. I know that my mom would not want us to mourn for her. My mother celebrated life. She knew what it was all about. She would soak up this beautiful spring weather and sunshine with a smile and expect us to do the same. Recently I have pondered experiences that seem very simple, yet that have given me joy and reminded me of my sweet mom and that she is not so far away. My sweet sister, Jenny very recently had her 5th child. While she was in labor, dealing with the pain and uneasiness of that difficult time, I took her hand and touched her forehead very gently. She told me that I touch her just as our mom did. And I told her that’s because I love her just as our mom does. The other day my wife and I went to my grandparents’ home for a visit. We love them dearly, and they offer us so much joy. In our ever quest to offer different remedies to my grandpa, I introduced both my grandpa and grandma to essential oils. My grandpa didn’t care for them much, but my grandma seemed to love them as I rubbed her. I then kissed her forhead and told her how much I loved her, and felt that sweet love from my wonderful grandmother. How thankful I am for these simple opportunities I have to feel of the love of those beloved individuals around me. Thus, on this day (though it be a difficult one) might we remember the wonderful blessings and the wonderful opportunities we have to show and receive love from those around us. How happy I know my mom is to see these special moments and I know that often in these moments is when we can feel her the most.

Another year behind us.............

I wish I had something poetic to say. As I reflect on the life my mom lived and the time that we have been parted. I am happy and sad. She is an excellent mother I love her with all my heart and I am grateful to have been given such a gift to have a wonderful mom. Having to be parted from eachother has shaken me to my core and I have had to dig deep to find peace and strength. I miss her and I want to be together again, we are getting closer to that time with every year that passes.

Mom's newest grandchild number 11

There have been many events that we have missed having mom here for. It was mom's 60th birthday, Christmas, New Years, many children and grandchildren's birthday parties and the birth of Jenny's baby Evie. Now we are approaching 6 years being without her. It doesn't hurt as bad and I don't think about her all the time like I used to at these events. I know she is a little closer right now and that she escorted little Evie to this grand world.

What is this thing that men call death? This quiet passing in the night? 'Tis not the end but genesis Of better worlds and greater light O God, touch Thou my aching heart And calm my troubled, haunting fears Let hope and faith, transcendent, pure Give strength and peace beyond my tears. There is no death, but only change With recompense for vict'ry won The gift of Him who loved all men The son of God, the Holy one.

Pinktober

October is breast cancer awareness month. Pink is everywhere. Much is discussed and brought to the forefront about what it is to be a survivor of breast cancer. It should be understood that it is not always in one’s hands, the outcome of such a disease. Women with different backgrounds, ages, cultures, and lifestyles are all affected by breast cancer. Many thousands of these women have been lucky enough to get past the disease, while thousands more have had their lives claimed. I think it is important to remember that in this month of pink and breast cancer awareness, all of those who have suffered, regardless of the outcome, should be thought of. Even though my sweet mom is no longer on this Earth, she is my greatest example of health and wellness. My mom lived well. She incorporated exercise and nutrition into her every day. She danced and taught movement to hundreds of young girls. She taught aerobics and impressed many women with her strength and stamina. She gained new passions and taught herself everything there was to know about yoga and Pilates. With that she excelled and was recognized as a gifted teacher and trainer by many. She hated to be inside and lazy. So often, we would go for walks and enjoy the beauty of St. George. And sometimes when it was suggested that we go see a movie she would say, let’s go be outside instead of sitting in a dark theater. When I would come home from school, it would be no surprise to see my mom stretching her leg all the way up on the kitchen counter as she was writing something, or to see her trying out a different yoga pose. I try to live up to her legend by incorporating wellness and fitness into my life, but surely come up short compared to her. Had my mom’s encounter with breast cancer been an actual battle, she would have surely come out triumphant due to her profound strength both physical and mental, as many would attest. But we know that our Heavenly Father had a different plan with her in it at His side. We have faith in that plan and faith in our Heavenly Father that we will be with her again, glorified and well.